McLaren will get their first opportunity to win their second consecutive constructors’ championship at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as they’ve put together such a strong 2025 Formula 1 campaign. The Papayas are, of course, on top of the table with 617 points – 337 points above second-seeded Ferrari. They are in this position because of the back-and-forth between their two stars, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. As things stand, Piastri leads with 324 points – 31 points above Norris.
This weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix also marks Ollie Bearman’s anniversary for his Haas debut, and the 20-year-old British international hopes to replicate his outing last year, where he finished P10. However, he’ll have to tread carefully, as he’s in a perilous penalty points situation.
Learn more about the latest Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
McLaren control their destiny
McLaren are on the brink of making history, as their two drivers have been dominant this season. Frontrunner Oscar Piastri has seven wins and teammate Lando Norris has five, and there have been seven one-two finishes between them within the last 16 rounds.
With eight rounds left in the 2025 season, including this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a maximum of 389 points can still be scored by teams with five standard weekends (43 points available at each) and three Sprints (58 points available at each) on the way between now and the last event. If the gap between McLaren and Ferrari is at least 346 points after Sunday, McLaren will be confirmed as champions. All the Papayas need to do is outscore the Scuderia by only nine points.
Piastri and Norris had a minor incident in Monza, as the former was asked to cede his position back to the latter after a pit stop during the race. Norris and Piastri eventually finished second and third behind Max Verstappen. During a recent media session, the two McLaren drivers brushed off the incident and said that they will continue to adhere to the team’s “Papaya rules,” which have worked out thus far.
Bearman could be at risk on his debut anniversary
Ollie Bearman is one violation away from receiving a race ban for accumulating 12 penalty points in 12 months, after he picked up two for colliding with Carlos Sainz Jr. in Monza. Ironically, it was Kevin Magnussen’s previous sanction that gave Bearman his Haas debut in Baku.
In Lap 40 of the Italian Grand Prix, Sainz attempted to overtake Bearman for 13th place, resulting in the pair running side-by-side as they entered the Roggia chicane. Sainz, who was on the outside, was ahead entering the corner, causing Bearman to hit the brakes late to defend his position. Bearman’s front tire made contact with Sainz’s rear, resulting in both drivers spinning. Bearman received a 10-second penalty and two penalty points for the incident.
Bearman will be walking a tightrope until his first penalty points leave his licence on November 3, one week before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
History
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is one of the newer events in the Formula 1 calendar. It was first held in 2017 and was one of five races to be held on a street circuit during the 2017 Formula 1 campaign, along with Singapore, Monaco, Australian, and Canadian Grands Prix. This race is due to take place at the Baku City Circuit until at least 2026.
Daniel Ricciardo won the first edition of this race under Red Bull. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sergio Perez has the most wins in this event with two after winning it in 2021 and 2023 under Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri have one victory apiece.
What are the odds?
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 odds suggest that McLaren could clinch the constructors’ championship this Sunday with seven races to spare. The Papayas are priced at 1.30 to be the winning team, whereas Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are at 3.70, 5.50, and 19.00.
Moreover, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris should continue their back-and-forth for the drivers’ championship, with the former pegged at 2.50 and the latter at 2.70. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell are contenders for the third and final podium spot at 3.40, 7.50, 17.00, and 23.00.
As far as Ollie Bearman is concerned, he is a long shot to win (or even get a point) at 1,001.00. But as long as he has a clean race, he should be alright.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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